Bright light has recently been shown to have phase-shifting effects on human circadian rhythms. In this study we applied this effect to 20 patients with delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) who were unable to fall asleep at conventional clock times and had a problem staying alert in the morning. In a controlled treatment study, we found that 2 h of bright light exposure in the morning together with light restriction in the evening successfully phase advanced circadian rhythms of core body… CONTINUE READING

The use of bright light in the treatment of chronobiologic sleep and mood disorders : the phaseresponse curve

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FIG. 1. a: Mean 24-h core body temperature of patients before and after the "control" condition. Core body temperature was measured every 5 min using a Vitalog temperature monitor and a rectal thermistor over the 24-h period. No significant difference in the circadian temperature rhythm was found after the "control" condition (F = 0.92, df = 1,287, p = 0.77). b: Mean 24-h core body temperature of patients before and after the "active" condition. There was a significant difference in the circadian temperature after the "active condition" (F = 2.39, df = 1,287, p ,,;;: O.OOl).